🎩 How much does a magician make?
No reliable figure for most; a full-time U.S. magician’s estimate is about $46,000–$78,000 a year. Star David Copperfield was estimated by Forbes at $46 million in 2020.
Magicians are often freelancers paid per booking, so work volume and fame can change income enormously.
US Most people, typical, the top
| Who | Yearly earnings | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| A full-time magician (estimate) | $45,997–$78,000 | ERI salary estimate and a CNBC full-time magician profile |
| Top recorded star (2020) David Copperfield ($46 million in 2020) | $46M | Forbes estimate for 2020, as listed by Guinness World Records |
Per month and per day
| Who | Per month | Per day (÷365) |
|---|---|---|
| A full-time magician (estimate) | $3,833–$6,500 | $126–$214 |
| Top recorded star (2020) | $3.83M | $126,027 |
Where does the money come from?
- Venue performances: Magicians can earn performance fees from shows at places such as corporate events, casinos, and theme parks. Source
- Private event bookings: Private bookings can include birthdays, weddings, and company events. Source
- Magic lessons on DVD: Some magicians also earn money from selling magic lesson DVDs. Source
What famous magicians make
| Who | Amount |
|---|---|
| David Copperfield | $46M (2020) Estimate 2020 annual pretax earnings (Source) |
How do you become a magician?
In the United States, start by learning tricks, practicing, and performing for family and friends. Young people ages 7–17 can also learn with the Society of American Magicians Youth program. Build experience, then seek paid shows at events and venues.
- Learn tricks from books and instructional videos.
- Practice, then perform for family and friends.
- Learn with a youth group or local magic club.
- Look for paid shows at events and venues.
Qualifications and exams
There is no general U.S. magician license or required exam. Local rules may require permits for some public performances; in New York City, for example, permits may be required for performances in or next to parks.
A day as a magician
Between shows, a magician may book work, practice tricks, and update social media. On a performance day, they travel to a venue and entertain an audience at a regular hotel show, birthday party, or wedding.
Common questions
Do magicians earn the same amount every month?
Not always. A full-time magician profiled by CNBC said his income could vary a lot from month to month, so his savings and investments changed too. Source
Where do magicians get paid to perform?
They may perform at corporate events, casinos, and theme parks. Private bookings can include birthday parties, weddings, and company outings. Source
Can magicians earn money without doing a show?
Yes. Some magicians earn money from products as well as live shows. One magician profiled by NBC News earned income from a series of magic lesson DVDs. Source
Do regular shows help magicians find work?
A recurring show can provide regular work. One magician profiled by CNBC had a regular hotel show and also took private event bookings; this does not mean every magician has steady income. Source
Can someone work as a magician full time?
Yes. CNBC profiled a full-time magician in New York who earned $78,000 before taxes in 2021. That is one person's example, not a standard salary. Source
This section summarizes public sources. We only show numbers that have a source.
Close jobs in official statistics
In Japan
Japan Most people, typical, the top
| Who | Yearly earnings | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Most magicians in one informal survey | $0–$20,000 | Informal poll of 100+ respondents by a working magician |
| Magicians in the ¥250,000–¥500,000 monthly bracket | $20,000–$40,000 | Monthly bracket from the same informal poll, annualized |
| Higher-earning magicians | $80,000–$160,000 | Monthly income described in the same poll, annualized |
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Data table and sources
- magiciandaisuke.com/?p=8534
- www.cnbc.com/2022/02/17/this-26-year-old-earns-78000-per-year-as-a-magician-in-n
- www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/76731-highest-annual-earnings-for-a-m
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes272099.htm
- www.e-stat.go.jp/stat-search/files?cycle=0&layout=datalist&page=1&stat_infid=000
- www.forbes.com/profile/david-copperfield
- www.magicsam.com/page/SAMYouthProgram
- portal.311.nyc.gov/article?kanumber=KA-02069
- www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna14440779
- vault.com/professions/magicians/requirements
This job is not covered directly by government wage statistics, so the figures come from leagues, associations, surveys and the press.